Brazilian game called off because of TV dispute

Atletico-PR and Coritiba were left fuming as the referee was instructed to call off their State Championship clash shortly before kick-off.

Sunday's scheduled Brazilian Campeonato Paranaense clash between Atletico-PR and Coritiba was called off shortly before kick-off because of a dispute about television broadcasting rights.

Having expressed their dissatisfaction at the amount broadcaster PRC, affiliated with Rede Globo, was willing to pay to show the game, the two clubs decided to broadcast it themselves via YouTube and Facebook.

The competition's governing body, Federacao Paranaense de Futebol, however, subsequently claimed that the alternative media professionals did not have the correct accreditation for the game and that it could therefore not go ahead.

Match referee Paulo Roberto Alves Jr was reportedly informed shortly before the scheduled kick-off time that the game would have to be postponed.

Atletico president Luiz Sallim Emed duly slammed the decision and insisted that the clubs concerned will not accept it.